Entrepreneurs interested in receiving free support from this program must apply online. Application materials include:

• Business/Applicant Information
• Customer discovery report including:
  •  Number of interviews completed
  • Who you interviewed (customer segments or stakeholders)
  • Hypotheses tested
  • Value proposition
  • Lessons learned and any pivots
• Executive summary including:
  • Problem being addressed
  • Proposed solution
  • Target customers or market
  • Current stage of development
  • Key next steps

To be eligible for the Tech2Launch program, you must:

• Have a connection to USD (e.g., faculty, staff, current student, recent alumni)
• Have a business registered in South Dakota or a plan to register a business in South Dakota
• Have a technology-based product or service
• Have completed a regional NSF I-Corps training

T2L clients are expected to actively engage in the program and demonstrate progress in utilizing approved services. Participants must submit monthly updates outlining activities completed, services used, and progress made toward business and technology development goals. At the conclusion of the award period, clients must submit a final report summarizing outcomes, key accomplishments, and next steps.

What are the goals of the program?
T2L supports USD tech-based entrepreneurs by reducing administrative burden so they can focus on building and advancing their technology.

What is the time commitment of the program?
We anticipate clients will spend a minimum of 3 hours per week for 3 months.

What is the program timeline?
July 6, 2026 – application opens online.

What does it cost?
There are no application/registration fees.
Clients receive T2L services on a reimbursement basis.

How long is the program?
Each client will be in the program for 3 months.

Do I get funding as part of this program?
T2L provides up to $5,000 per client to support approved business services. This support is provided on a reimbursement basis.

What services are available?

• Business consulting
• Legal (Business)
• Accounting & Bookkeeping
• Legal (Intellectual Property)
• Human Resources
• Marketing & Communications
• Design & Branding
• Business Insurance

How many services will the $5,000 cover?
This will depend on the type of services used. Most clients will likely be able to utilize 3-4 services.

Can I choose the vendor I work with?
T2L has a list of preapproved vendors. Clients must work with a vendor from this list.

Does my business need to be incorporated to praticipate?
You do not need to have a formally registered business to apply. If your company is not yet established, please enter information for you proposed business in the application.

Does the intellectual property need to be owned by USD to participate?
The intellectual property does not need to be owned by USD. For example, student owned intellectual property is acceptable if the student attends USD and has vetted the technology through a regional NSF I-Corps training.